8 Reasons You Should Be In Vietnam, Like Now

It’s got to be said: Vietnam is awesome. Need a reason to bump up Vietnam to the top of the bucket list? Here are 8.

1. Where the dragon descends into the sea

If you’re anything like us, we thrive on ancient local legends and definitely don’t take them with a pinch of salt. Legend has it that Halong Bay, Vietnam’s crowning jewel, was created by a dragon that descended from the mountains. We can see why. Imagine sailing through the eerie limestone rock formations that loom out of the water or hitting the Bay for a spot of cave kayaking. There might even be some mist to add to the effect.

2. It’s tailor-made

You might have heard of Hoi An’s local talent who create tailor-made goodies. The rumours are true. It can be done. Overnight. From shoes to dresses or a fully functioning morning suit, the tailors in Hoi An have exceptional dressmaking skills to make your own unique souvenir of Vietnam. Cue the best dressed travellers you’ve ever seen.

3. Pho real

No trip to Vietnam would be complete without sampling their famous local dish Pho. Pull up a pew on the street corner and rub shoulders with the local peeps as you slurp down this sense-arresting, mouth-tingling Vietnamese noodle soup.

4. Rice, rice and rice

The mighty Mekong Delta is the reason Vietnam is one of the world’s leading rice exporters. It’s the main rice region and is also pretty damn stunning. Trust us, there are a million different recipes to give your rice some razz. You won’t be bored, fed up or feel the need to reach for a slice of pizza.

5. Climb into history

Vietnam has a long and complicated history and many of its harrowing tales and accounts are held in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon. Take a trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels for a local history lesson and even have a go at manoeuvring your way through the complicated underground maze. Beware: they may induce claustrophobia.

6. Ride the rails

Serving the entire 1,726 km of Vietnam’s coast, the Reunification Express overnight sleeper train has got to be tested. You’ll find endless uses for Cards Against Humanity, make new besties in the restaurant carriage and bunk in with locals.

7. Soak in the bath

It’s been said that some travellers can become quite frankly, a little dissatisfying to the nose after a long ride on the overnight sleeper train. But it’s nothing a long soak can’t fix. Especially if it’s made of mud. In downtown Nha Trang, the beach capital of Vietnam, you’ll find the hot spring spa Thap Ba that specialises in mud baths. Say hello to mini-skirt ready skin, silky hair and infinite youth (obviously).

8. Take a caffeine hit

The local coffee is made from freshly brewed weasel poop. Enough said.

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